By Andrew Chen
Starlux Airlines Launching First Transpacific Route to Los Angeles
STARLUX Airlines has revealed the details of its first transpacific flights to Los Angeles. The Taiwanese carrier will begin flying between Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei and Los Angeles International Airport on April 26, 2023.
The flights will be operated by the airline’s recently delivered Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The outbound flight will depart Taipei as JX002 at 11:40 p.m. and will arrive in Los Angeles at 8:30 p.m. The return flight will be JX001 and will depart Los Angeles at 12:50 a.m. and arrive in Taipei the next day at 5:40 a.m. The flights will initially operate five times per week with the frequency increasing to daily in June.
The Taipei – Los Angeles route market is one with high demand and heavy competition. However, STARLUX should be accustomed to this phenomenon as many of its existing routes share the same characteristics. The Taiwanese air travel market is dominated by China Airlines and EVA Air and STARLUX is trying to establish itself as the third major player in a competitive landscape. Having started operations in January 2020, the carrier has had a challenging first few years, working through the pandemic while facing tough competition on popular routes like Taipei – Osaka, Japan, Taipei – Bangkok, Thailand and Taipei – Cebu, Philippines.
On this new route to Los Angeles, STARLUX will face direct competition from both China Airlines and EVA Air, who are both well-established players in the market. In May 2023, China Airlines has 17 weekly flights scheduled, while EVA Air is planning on operating 21 weekly flights on the route. Both competitors offer late-night departures that will compete directly with STARLUX’s flights, as well as extensive connecting networks in both Asia and North America.
STARLUX Airlines A350-900 business class cabin (Photo: STARLUX Airlines)
As STARLUX goes head-to-head with its Taiwanese competitors, it is marketing a luxurious onboard product. STARLUX’s A350-900s are configured with four first class seats, 26 business class seats, 36 premium economy class seats and 240 economy class seats. Since taking delivery of its first A350 in October, the carrier has been flying its new widebody jets on short-haul routes in Asia.
The carrier appears to be well-positioned to offer a competitive onboard experience. STARLUX will be the only airline to offer first class on the route. In fact, STARLUX is currently the only Taiwanese carrier with first class, as China Airlines discontinued it in 2016. First class suites on STARLUX’s A350s feature a 60-inch door wall and a personal wardrobe. Business class seats also feature a door and both premium cabins have lie-flat seats with a “Zero-G” mode to help alleviate fatigue. Premium economy class and economy class seats have large personal entertainment screens with 4k resolution. During its first years of operation, STARLUX has also developed a reputation for delivering a high-quality soft product that will further add to the competitiveness of the airline’s onboard offerings.
Andrew is a lifelong lover of aviation and travel. He has flown all over the world and is fascinated by the workings of the air travel industry. As a private pilot and glider pilot who has worked with airlines, airports and other industry stakeholders, he is always excited to share his passion for aviation with others. In addition to being a writer, he also hosts Flying Smarter, an educational travel podcast that explores the complex world of air travel to help listeners become better-informed and savvier travelers.